Define Upamana.

Upamana, in Indian philosophy, is a valid means of knowledge (pramana) that refers to analogical or inferential cognition. It is considered one of the sources of knowledge in Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools, and it plays a significant role in understanding and expanding one's knowledge.

Key Aspects of Upamana:

1. Analogy and Comparison: Upamana involves the process of drawing an inference by comparing a familiar object or situation (the known) with an unfamiliar one (the unknown). It relies on the similarity between the two, allowing one to gain knowledge about the unknown through analogy.

2. Three Components: Upamana typically consists of three components – the subject (upamiti), the attribute (upameya), and the standard of comparison (upama). The subject is the unfamiliar object, the attribute is the quality being compared, and the standard of comparison is the familiar object or situation.

3. Validity Conditions: For Upamana to be valid, there must be a clear resemblance or similarity between the known and the unknown. The person drawing the inference must also have direct, non-erroneous knowledge of the standard of comparison.

4. Example: If someone is unfamiliar with a swan but is told that it is white like a lotus, the analogy compares the unknown (the color of the swan) to the known (the color of the lotus), allowing the person to infer that the swan is white.

5. Limited Scope: While Upamana is a valid means of knowledge, its scope is limited compared to direct perception or inference. It relies on the availability of a suitable analogy and the correct understanding of the standard of comparison.

In summary, Upamana serves as a valuable tool for expanding knowledge by drawing inferences through analogical reasoning, relying on similarities between known and unknown entities or situations.